Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer today named 29 Central Queensland region nominees among the 218 state-wide regional finalists who have been recognised for their achievements in the training system during a challenging time.
"It's been a tough 18 months for businesses, trainers and employees who have had to adjust to different ways of working due to COVID-19," Minister Farmer said.
"The Palaszczuk Government put investing in skills at the heart of our Economic Recovery Plan, and with over $1 billion in the recent state budget dedicated to training and skills we are delivering on that commitment.
"It's extremely important to recognise the individuals and organisations that put training and development at the heart of what they do.
"The hard work of our outstanding apprentices, trainees, students, employers, teachers and training projects will be highlighted in the annual Queensland Training Awards, which have been celebrating the power of skills for 60 years."
The lone teacher at Longreach's Outback College of Hospitality Katie Frize has been selected as a Central Queensland regional finalist.
"Katie is a regional finalist in the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year category for her development of a unique training approach that ensures students in five remote schools achieve the best possible learning outcomes," Minister Farmer said.
"Katie's Certificate II in Kitchen Operations aligns with local community events to give her students a chance to gain skills in both the classroom and the kitchen."
Minister Farmer said regional finalists in employer categories included the Mackay and Isaac Regional Councils, Queensland Alumina Limited in Gladstone, Taylored Automotive in Dysart, and Mackay's GDP Metal Worx and Intuition The Art of Hair.
"The Central Queensland Multicultural Association (CQMA) is also a finalist for its Skilling Queenslanders for Work project, which provides access to a Certificate lll in Individual Support and, in 2020, achieved a 93 per cent success rate for job outcomes for 31 Biloela trainees," Minister Farmer said.
"All have been selected for their commitment to training and for establishing trades and tertiary pathways for their employees, apprentices and trainees.
"Single mum Liticha Mullen has been selected for overcoming challenges and excelling in a traineeship with Mackay Regional Council where she now helps others as an employee officer.
"Licenced drone pilot Harry Atterbury, from Marist College Emerald, is up for Vocational Student of the Year, while competitive swimmer Bethany Harth was selected for diving into a career she loves by completing a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation in the school-based category.
"Congratulations to the regional finalists who are the skilled Queenslanders we need for our economy to continue to bounce back better."
The winners from Central Queensland will be announced online in July with the state winners announced at a Gala Dinner in September.
For the full list of regional finalists and further information visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta
